Tracking how immune cells (macrophages) change over time using glowing microscopy
Elucidating spatial and temporal dynamics of macrophage polarization using bioluminescence microscopy
This project uses bioluminescent imaging to watch macrophages switch states in disease-like settings such as tumors or around implants, aiming to improve diagnostics and treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192305 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are refining bioluminescence microscopy so it can show protein activity and movement of macrophages in real time. They will image ex vivo tissue cultures and live samples to map where and when macrophages polarize in disease-relevant environments like tumors or near biomaterial implants. The team will test which internal cell signals and external cues most strongly drive macrophage state changes. Findings will guide development of synthetic biology tools, better diagnostic tests, and improved therapeutic or drug-delivery strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with solid tumors, patients with implanted biomaterials, or individuals willing to donate tissue samples for ex vivo imaging would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Healthy individuals without relevant tumors or implants are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide new ways to monitor immune responses around implants and tumors, enabling earlier detection and more targeted treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data and prior bioluminescence work show feasibility for imaging protein expression, but applying it to real-time macrophage polarization in disease contexts is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wayne, Elizabeth C — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Wayne, Elizabeth C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.